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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Of Charleston
5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Charleston, South Carolina
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciecharleston.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 364-6649
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–7:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–7:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–7:45 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–7:45 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this gym fosters personal development and fosters a love for the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu like no other.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“I had great coaching from Greg Elliot and Michael Key, and the rolls with the members were challenging and fun.”
“Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this gym fosters personal development and fosters a love for the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu like no other.”
“Professional, friendly, and dedicated—I highly recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Charleston to anyone looking for a top-notch experience!”
“Professional, friendly, and dedicated—I highly recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Charleston to anyone looking for a top-notch experience!”
From the reviews
My home gym. The team is comprised of truly great people who create a great atmosphere for new and experienced folks, young and old alike. They genuinely care about their students' progress and well-being, and make everyone feel valued and supported.
I'm a blue belt from Raleigh, NC and have trained 3 years. During my week long vacation in Kiawah, my wife let me escape twice to drop in to Gracie Charleston. The owner, coaches, and students were very welcoming, and I felt right at home during my time on their mats.
This is my second home and I am very proud to train here. I would highly recommend this jiu jitsu academy to anyone who wants to learn jiu jitsu or to those who already train. The instructors are very humble and treat everyone great. Love this academy!
Mike and his staff are the absolute definition of what jj should be! Fantastic for beginners and advanced players alike. The culture that has been created at this academy is second to none. If you are in the Charleston area this is the place to try for sure!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Of Charleston
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Of Charleston comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Of Charleston
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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